The Freeman's Journal 12-24-20

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Cooperstown, New York, Thursday, December 24, 2020

in 1808

Newsstand Price $1

VACCINES HERE

By CHRYSTAL SAVAGE COOPERSTOWN

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r. Anush Patel, Bassett Hospital’s chief of medical oncology and radiology, expressed relief on receiving the first of his two Pfizer vaccinations.

“This is the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

Patel was one of 350 Tier One Bassett employees who received the Pfizer

The Freeman’s Journal

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VISIT www.AllOTSEGO.com, OTSEGO COUNTY’S DAILY NEWSPAPER/ONLINE

Volume 212, No. 51

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IDEALISM, INJUSTICE BALANCED

While the rest of us shivered or shoveled, Cooperstown’s Jessie Ravage saw the 29-inch snowfall Thursday, Dec. 17, as a recreational opportunity. More on

AllOTSEGO.com

Dr. Anush Patel, Cooperstown, Bassett Hospital chief of medical oncology, receives his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine at FaxtonSt. Luke’s in Utica. “This is the light at the end of the tunnel,” he said.

vaccine last Saturday through Monday at Arnot Ogden Medical Center, Elmira, and Faxton-St. Luke’s Campus, Utica.

“People were overwhelmingly excited to receive the vaccine,” said Karen HuxtableHooker, Bassett Healthcare Network spokesman. “It’s energizing health care workers; for them it means the beginning of the end.”

Tier One healthcare employees are staff members in clinical and noncliniPlease See COVID, A2

Bassett Hospital photo

50-Car Parade Salutes Cooperstown Mainstay

www.

‘Night Before Christmas’ – Oneonta Style

‘T

was the dark night of COVID, and all through the county “Not a traveler was budging, not one little amounty; “The masks were hung by the front door with care, “In hopes that the vaccine soon would be there; With apologies to Clement Moore, Oneonta photographer and writer Michael Foster Rothbart has taken a pass at recasting the classic “Night Before Christmas” in 2020 Oneonta. For the full poem, visit

AllOTSEGO.com

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Hall of Fame spokesman Jon Shestakovsky discusses adjustments to exhibits at 25 Main.

HoF Takes Fresh Look

By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN

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he Baseball Hall of Fame is striving to balance the sport’s sometimes troubled racial history with athletic prowess on the diamond.

“The conversation began this summer,” said Jon Shestakofsky, the Hall’s vice president/communications.

Please See HALL, B2

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal

Former Cooperstown mayor Carol B. Waller and Claire Satriano wave to well-wishers.

By JIM KEVLIN COOPERSTOWN

www.

Follow Breaking New On

AllOTSEGO.com ►”A christmas carol” makes audiobook debut. ►DIVERS REMOVE lake buoys; winter is here. ►flooding possible on Christmas Eve. ►Boy, deputies contribute $550 in COVID aid to MCS. ►suspected heroin user breaks into Mount Vision homes. ►Jim buelow, 72, Worcester White House Owner, dies.

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Rubin: Revisit Plan; Then Hire President At County Chamber

By CHRYSTAL SAVAGE ONEONTA

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Former Cooperstown Chamber leader Polly Renckens hands gift to Elaine Bresee.

n the midst of the 50car drive-by celebrating Carol B. Waller’s retirement as Mohican Flowers’ proprietor, a customer stopped by looking for greens to decorate his home for Christmas.

Carol and her 42-year

assistant, Claire Satriano, who was also honored at the event, ducked into the store and got him what he needed.

“They work until it’s done,” said Elaine Bresee, who spent three weeks organizing the parade with Carol’s husband Bill, and witnessed that small act of supreme customer service on Saturday, Dec. 19.

Please See PARADE, B5

In 2022, Ommegang Eyes $1M Expansion

s interim president of the Otsego County

By LIBBY CUDMORE Chamber of Commerce, Al Rubin has committed up to a year of his COOPERSTOWN Al Rubin time to recruit a successor to departing Barbara Ann Heegan. rewery The president of A&D Transport Ommegang isn’t Please See RUBIN, B3 going to let a pan-

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This Spring, Brewery To Double Canning demic get in the way of customers enjoying Neon Rainbows – and other popular brews.

“We installed a canning

line two years ago,” said Rick DeBar, director of operations at the brewery.

“But we’re aiming to double our capacity on the

line starting next March.”

The current line can fill five cans at a time; with the addition of a second “filler,” the line will be able to fill 10 cans with the same amount of Please See CANS, B4

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA, OTSEGO COUNTY’S LARGEST PRINT CIRCULATION 2010 WINNERS OF The Otsego County Chamber/KEY BANK SMALL BUSINESS AWARD

A-2 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL

THURSDAY, December 24, 2020

LOCALS

Tier One Bassett Employees Vaccinated

VACCINES/From A1 cal patient-care areas considered to be of high exposure, according to the state, including emergency room and Intensive Care Unit employees.

Some 170,000 doses of the Pfizer vaccine were shipped across New York State this week and received by Bassett’s Tier One employees.

Going forward, however, Bassett has opted for the Moderna vaccine, which has a similar efficacy against COVID-19, but doesn’t require the extreme refrigeration the Pfizer one does.

“Because it doesn’t need the ultra-cold storage like the Pfizer vaccine, (Moderna) is easier to store and transport throughout our region, so we can reach more patients in our service area,” said Kelly Rudd, PharmD, the Bassett Network’s pharmacy director.

Although Arnot Ogden and Faxton-St. Luke’s are not in the Bassett Network, they are medical campuses designated by New York State as regional hubs for initial

vaccine administration.

“We have been able to help them and they were able to help us; this really takes everybody working together,” Huxtable-Hooker said.

“We are proud to be part of the state’s efforts to vaccinate front-line healthcare workers as we move through the vaccination distribution phases outlined by the CDC,” said Jonathan Lawrence, Arnot president/ CEO. “We look forward to working with hospitals in our region to achieve the goal of vaccinating as many people as possible, as quickly as possible, in our efforts to contain the spread of COVID-19.”

According to HuxtableHooker, all five Bassett Network hospitals have received their first allotment of the Moderna vaccine and vaccinations of Tier One staff will begin this week.

“Schedules for inoculating staff are in development,” she added.

Those that have already received the Pfizer vaccine

at one of the two locations in Utica or Elmira will be returning to those sites to receive the booster for the vaccine after three weeks.

Those that will receive the Moderna vaccine will return for their booster after 28 days.

And with 350 staff members on their way to completing the vaccination process against COVID-19, Heidi Bond, Otsego County public health director, says she hopes this will speed up the timeline for getting the vaccine to the public.

“Hopefully the vaccine will begin to come at a fast pace,” she said. “We can vaccinate our front-line healthcare workers, then increase out to the next tier and vaccinate other essential workers.”

Bassett’s attending physician of infectious diseases, Dr. Charles Hyman, suggested last week that the public will likely not have access to the vaccine until the end of April, but adds that planning as to how best to distribute it is already underway.

Wall Street Investor New Supervisor

POLICE ‘SPREAD CHEER’ WITH GIFT CARD GIVEAWAY

SPRINGFIELD CENTER

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alen O. Criqui, a Wall Street investor who played varsity basketball at Princeton, has agreed to succeed Bill Freeland, who has retired as Springfield town supervisor.

The town Galen Criqui board will meet at 7 p.m.

Monday, Dec.14 to appoint the new supervisor, Town Clerk Jeannette Armstong reported today. “He has agreed to serve the town,” she said.

Criqui, wife Nellie and their three children have homes in New Jersey and, for more than a decade, in the Town of Springfield.

He is the son of Don including one who had been infected with the Criqui, the longest-tenured virus by an employee at the assisted living Village of Cooperstown Police Chief Frank facility where she lived. The employee, Bond NFL broadcaster – 47 years Cavalieri stopped by Price Chopper to – and the Voice of Notre reported at the time, had spent Thanksgiving present front-end cashier Roberta Welsh Dame, his alma mater. with a group of people outside their home, known to friends as Becky – with the first and was infected there.

CCS Athletes Donate –“Spread the Cheer” Gift Card. The departThis week’s seven-day total saw 141 cases, 25 Pairs Of Shoes ment has given each village officer a gift a slight decrease from last week’s total of 153. ooperstown Central card to award to a community member they But Friday, Dec. 18, saw a second day of 35 School (CCS) believe has spread the cheer, and Cavalieri cases, the current record for number of cases Leadership Training personally selected Becky for her “positive in a single day. for Athletes and the CCS attitude, willingness to lend a hand and help And with Christmas looming, Bond Soles-to-Share collaborated others and the general good she puts out worries that the cases will climb even higher to donate and deliver 25 into the community.” And there’s more joy to as people continue to gather against CDC new pairs of shoes to the recommendations. hand out, with ‘Spread the Cheer’ Gift Cards “We’re starting with a higher number of Cooperstown Angel Network continuing to be awarded by the village cases than we did at Thanksgiving,” she said. at St. Mary’s Catholic Church. police throughout the holiday season.

December Deadliest Month, Bond Says

By LIBBY CUDMORE COOPERSTOWN

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ith three deaths in two weeks, four people in the ICU and 16 hospitalized, Otsego County Public Health Director Heidi Bond has declared December to be the deadliest month of the COVID-19 pandemic so far.

“Three deaths in a month is the most we’ve had,” she said. “Before that, it was two in April.”

The victim, a woman over 55, had not been in the ICU, but had been hospitalized for less than week before she died on Friday, Dec. 18.

Last week, two other women died,

Happy Holidays!

C

Happy Holidays

Here’s wishing you have all the happiness your holiday can hold!

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THURSDAY, December 24, 2020

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA A-3

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Perspectives

THURSDAY, December 24, 2020

A-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL EDITORIAL

THIS CHRISTMAS, HOPE SHOULD BE FOREMOST

As We Count Our Blessings, Let’s Stay The Course All L

ast Sunday, www..

OTSEGO was able to trumpet the news: “VACCINE HERE! 350 Bassett Tier 1 Workers Getting Shots Over Weekend.” Within hours, thousands had clicked through to read the good news.

It – the COVID-19 pandemic – is not over, but it’s on the way to being over.

• This happy news comes at a time when, as the Gospel of Luke had it, humanity wishes for “peace on Earth, good will toward men.”

It’s the time of year when we pause and reflect on how close we’ve come to the ideal.

The reality, this year as always,

or less darkly.

To what? To a modicum of happiness, prosperity, good will, not just for ourselves, but to our fellow humans. Not just here, in our relatively safe and secure Otsego County, but throughout our state, country and even world.

Perfection, whether you’re religious or not, is not of this Photo courtesy Governor’s Office world – but the journey is life’s meaning.

Dec. 14, Sandra Lindsay, an ICU • nurse in Queens, received the Statistically, we can reflect first vaccine in the nation. with some satisfaction on is that we missed it, given we live meeting the COVID-19 challenge, in an imperfect world, populated (although it’s not over yet, and by imperfect people looking to continued vigilance is essential.) find the way through a glass more

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nd she brought forth her firstborn son, and wrapped him in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room for them in the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, The Freeman’s Journal I bring you good The Nativity window tidings of great joy, at St. Mary’s Catholic which shall be to all Church, Cooperstown. people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying, Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

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Editor’s Note: The New York Sun’s Francis Pharcellus Church penned this famous response to 8-year-old Virginia O’Hanlon in 1897.

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e take pleasure in answering thus prominently the communication below, expressing at the same time our great gratification that its faithful author is numbered among the friends of The Sun: Dear Editor— I am 8 years old. Some of my little friends say there is no Santa Claus.

Papa says, “If you see it in The Sun, it’s so.”

Please tell me the truth, is Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal there a Santa Claus?

Santa and Mrs. Claus have been reading Christmas stories that are available Virginia O’Hanlon to all Otsego County youngsters. Google “Cooperstown Community Christ115 West Ninety Fifth St. mas Committee facebook” to listen.

Virginia, your little Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus. light with which childhood fills the friends are wrong. They have been He exists as certainly as love and world would be extinguished. affected by the skepticism of a skeptiNot believe in Santa Claus! You might generosity and devotion exist, and cal age. They do not believe except you know that they abound and give as well not believe in fairies. You might they see. They think that nothing can to your life its highest beauty and joy. get your papa to hire men to watch in all be which is not comprehensible by the chimneys on Christmas Eve to catch Alas! how dreary would be the world their little minds. All minds, Virginia, Santa Claus, but even if you did not see if there were no Santa Claus! It would whether they be men’s or children’s, Santa Claus coming down, what would are little. In this great universe of ours, be as dreary as if there were no that prove? Nobody sees Santa Claus, Virginias.

There would be no childlike man is a mere insect, an ant, in his faith then, no poetry, no romance to but that is no sign that there is no Santa intellect as compared with the boundClaus. The most real things in the world make tolerable this existence. less world about him, as measured by We should have no enjoyment, are those that neither children nor men the intelligence capable of grasping the except in sense and sight. The external Please See VIRGINIA, A6 whole of truth and knowledge.

A CHRISTMAS STORY

For 212 Years

James C. Kevlin Editor & Publisher

There IS A Santa Claus, Editor Wrote 8-Year-Old

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That’s less than one percent of our county’s population of 59,493 people.

• To focus on the numbers shouldn’t harden us to the grief suffered by those 10 families, or to the lost wages, damaged and closed businesses, stunted educations, or the other very real negative impacts of the disease.

But Otsego County achieved something special and we can be proud: We can take comfort in how our neighbors, professionals and political leaders reacted to what could have been a devastating onslaught.

Please See EDITORIAL, A5

Yes, Virginia...

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Cooperstown’s Newspaper

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Gospel of Luke, Chapter 2 King James Version

The crudest measurement – mere numbers – affirms this. As of this writing, 11 local people have succumbed to COVID. According to the state Health Department, 700 people die in our county annually, so this worldwide health challenge, the worst in a century, raised the local death rate by 1.4 percentile points.

Even with the post-Thanksgiving spike, only 1,300 people were infected.

Take out the 750 on SUNY Oneonta’s campus – only one person in the community was determined to have been infected by that outbreak – only 550 people in the county at large have been stricken with the virus.

Tara Barnwell

Advertising Director & General Manager

Libby Cudmore

Managing Editor

Larissa Ryan Business Manager

Kathleen Peters Graphics & Production

Elizabeth Cooper Correspondent

Ian Austin Photographer

Ivan Potocnik Web Architect

Tom Heitz/Sharon Stuart Consultant

IN MEMORIAM: Mary Joan Kevlin, Co-Publisher, 2006-17 OFFICIAL NEWSPAPER FOR Otsego County • Village of Cooperstown • Village of Milford Cooperstown Central School District MEMBER: National Newspaper Association, NY Press Association Subscriptions Rates: Otsego County, $69 a year. All other areas, $89 a year.

First Class Subscription, $155 a year.

Published Thursdays by Iron String Press, Inc. 21 Railroad Ave., Cooperstown NY 13326 Telephone: (607) 547-6103. Fax: (607) 547-6080.

E-mail: info@allotsego.com • www.allotsego.com Contents © Iron String Press, Inc.

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New Home For The Holidays?

ne Brooklyn morning many Decembers past, I heard a scratching behind the wall of my work place in the attic. I glanced out the window and spotted a squirrel emerging from a hole between the rain gutter and the shingles TERRY on the roof.

He looked at me with a BERKSON smug expression as if to say, “I moved in and I’m stayin’.” The intruder jumped to the leafless maple in back of the house and was gone.

• I’d heard stories about squirrels destroying houses as they chewed through walls and lead plumbing and electric lines. The thought of a critter storing his acorns under my rafters was too distracting. I shut the computer

and descended to the kitchen for coffee.

On the phone an exterminator quoted a painful price to set a Havahart trap that would catch the animal for transport to Prospect Park. “It’s time consuming,” the man explained. “We’re not allowed to kill them.”

When I didn’t jump at his services he offered to sell me a trap for $75, but I thought a bird cage we had in the cellar would serve just as well.

Walter Haskel, my editor, had called Squirrel raises Christmas question: Why can’t we all get along? the day before to remind me about a deadline on a story. I felt I used a chopstick with twine I’d do a better job if I didn’t have attached to it to hold the cage door that squirrel to think about. Peanut open and a Ford accelerator spring to butter for bait worked well for mice, so slam it shut. I placed the cage near the why not for this guy? In my yard he base of the maple and ran the twine to was a squirrel but in my house he was the door of our back pantry. a big rat.

Please See BERKSON, A6

AllOTSEGO.com

LETTERS TO EDITOR WELCOME • EMAIL THEM TO info@

THURSDAY, December 24, 2020

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL A-5

BOUND VOLUMES

Compiled by Tom Heitz/SHARON STUART, with resources courtesy of The Fenimore Art Museum Research Library

200 YEARS AGO

A New Kind of Bed: These beds are made of the husks of Indian Corn in the following manner – So soon as they are ripe, the husks should be gathered when they are dry and in a clear air. The outer hard husks are to be rejected and the softer inner ones to be fully dried out in the shade. Cut off the hard end formerly attached to the cob and draw the husk through a hatchel, or suitably divide it with a coarse comb.

The article is now fit for use. It can be put in an entire sack as straw is, or to be formed into a mattress, as prepared hair is, of any size and thickness you please. This material is sweet, pleasant and durable, lasting from five to ten years.

Two invalids, who have used them for eight years past in this neighborhood, unite in saying that those who have once tried a bed of this kind, will wish no other winter or summer.

December 25, 1820

175 YEARS AGO

In the U.S. Supreme Court: The Captain of a vessel refused to pay the tax of one dollar upon each emigrant passenger in his ship having arrived at the Port of New York, in accordance with the laws of our state. An action was commenced against him. It was decided in his favor and brought up to the Supreme Court of the United States.

Martin Van Buren appeared as Attorney General for the State of New York. His speech today marks him a man of the brightest genius as one possessing a high order of talents. Daniel Webster is to appear for the defendant another day. It is intellectual combat which will attract the deepest attention.

December 20, 1845

150 YEARS AGO

The Roll of Honor for the Grammar Department of the Cooperstown School in order of relative scholarship and no absences beyond three: Sarah M. Potter, W. Eugene Johnstone, Frank C. Hyde, Delia E. Bell, Julia W. Stowell, Fannie C. Leaning, Lizzie M. Wood, Minnie S. Lathrop, Fannie B. Lewis, John M. Russell, Alice G. Dennison, Fred B. House, Cora Temple, Edgar H. Lake, Adelbert Smith, Libby Sweet, Willie P. Sayles, Fannie E. Grant, Eva Bliss, J.A. Melrose Johnston, Jean S. Lathrop, Mary F. Parshall, Willie S. McNamee, Genevieve B. Higby. Emma A. Perkins, Jennie Snyder.

December 29, 1870

I

75 YEARS AGO

can do excepting to prepare for war. By a great majority, the people of the United States have voted against the Treaty of Peace, which would have averted future wars and which provided for disarmament among the nations. There are only two paths that we as a nation can pursue. We can spend our money for implements of war and thus get ready to protect ourselves in the next conflict, or we can make an agreement with the other nations which would establish a court to which future controversies would be taken, and thus pave the way for lasting peace.

December 29, 1920

50 YEARS AGO December 19, 1945

125 YEARS AGO

Village Affairs: A petition signed by a majority of the property owners on Pine Street was presented to the Trustees asking that the name of said street be changed to Beadle Avenue, in memory of the late Erastus F. Beadle.

On motion, the name was ordered changed, the vote being four in favor, none opposed; five being present. (Ed. Note: Erastus F. Beadle was a native of nearby Pierstown. By the 1850s Beadle had become famous as the “Dime Novel King,” for his widely distributed, suggestively illustrated, cheap, popular newsstand paperbacks. Beadle made a fortune and retired to Cooperstown late in life. In American literature, Beadle’s publications were the “low brow” to James Fenimore Cooper’s “highbrow.” Today, the street remains Pine Boulevard.)

December 26, 1895

100 YEARS AGO

Excerpts from an editorial on “Disarmament” – There is considerable discussion in the newspapers just now in regard to the idea of disarmament. It has been discovered that 93 cents out of every dollar of Uncle Sam’s money this year goes for war, past, present and yet to come. People are beginning to wonder whether competitive armaments among the great nations are a good investment, and whether it would not be better to turn our attention from the manufacture of means of slaughter. Almost everyone, outside of those directly interested in the means of manufacture and sale of armaments, will agree that money so spent is worse than wasted. And yet, unless there is to be some understanding among the nations, there is nothing that any nation

Cooperstown Central School rebounded Friday night from its first boys’ basketball loss of the season to hang an 80 to 66 defeat on Waterville and move into a tie for first place with Sauquoit Valley in the Eastern Division of the Center State Conference with identical 3-1 records. Three nights earlier the Redskins dropped a 58-56 decision to Sauquoit in sa game marred by fouls, injuries and sloppy basketball. In the Waterville game, the Redskins scored 28 points in the fourth quarter to break open an otherwise close game. Good rebounding ad a fast break offense were the main reasons for the surge. The game was tied 36 - all at halftime. Cliff Coleman scored 18 points in the second half for the Redskins and led all scorers with 29 points shooting 60 percent (13 of 22) from the floor mostly with jumpers.

December 23, 1970

25 YEARS AGO

Area Births – December 1, 1995 – Born to Linden and Sylvia Summers of Cooperstown, a son, Park Garland.

November 29, 1995 – Born to Joseph and Julie Bell of Cooperstown, a son Aiden Conner. December 11, 1995 – Born to Fabian and Karen Bressett IV of Edmeston, twin daughters, Paige Kathleen and Kelsey Anne.

December 24, 1995

10 YEARS AGO

Middlefield’s Bill Glockler pointed out the other day that Jan. 1, 2011 will be 1/1/11. When that was pointed out to Bill “William from West of Westville” Sanford, he observed that 1:11 a.m. on the first day of the year will be 1:11, 1/1/11.

Let’s do him one better – The clocks will come to a time on Jan. 11, 2011, that will be 11 hours, 11 minutes and 11 seconds twice (a.m. and p.m.) on the same 1/11/11.

December 23, 2010

LIFE IN THE TIME OF COVID-19

GUEST COLUMN

Vaccines, Part II: They Arrive!

Now’s Time To Invest In County

wish I had the time, stamina, and and nursing home residents and staff.

Tier One-B is essential workers. column inches to write an article daily.

Tier One-C is high risk individuals which That’s how fast the news is coming.

Since last week, Pfizer has begun distriincludes those over 60 or 65 depending on bution and vaccinations around the nation, their state of residence and those with other the Moderna vaccine has been risk factors. approved and it will start distribuAfter that I am not sure but it tion by the time you read this, with seems to be everyone else lumped inoculations going into arms probtogether. It is not clear when and ably by Thursday the 24th. if minors will get the vaccinations, The 350 Tier One healthcare since they haven’t been tested in workers from Bassett Healthcare those under 16. will have been inoculated, though • they all had to travel to either Utica There has been some controversy or Elmira to receive the network’s over the 1-B group, not so much if allotted doses, according to a essential workers should get it next, RICHARD Bassett spokesman. They will get but who is an essential worker.

STERNBERG the Pfizer vaccine.

Overall, there are probably more According to the Governor, we than 20-30 million people in this can expect more doses in the weeks ahead. category in the United States: police, fire, All I want for Christmas is my two EMS, teachers, other healthcare workvaccines. ers who interact with the general public, • grocery store workers, food processing plant There have been some surprises with the workers, certain other government employroll out. It seems some five dose vials of ees, and many others. the Pfizer vaccine actually contain six doses.

As someone with eight risk factors and On the other hand, the logistics have not counting, I am willing to wait my turn for gone quite as well as we were told to expect. most of these, but unfortunately there will I guess that’s not a surprise. be some who get moved up the list but probIn the United States, the priority for ably don’t deserve it. the order of who gets the vaccine has been For example, an attorney friend of mine announced. in New Jersey says they are classified as esTier One-A is front-line healthcare workers Please See STERNBERG, A6

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e have only one week left in 2020, a remarkable year that hit us with surprises and painful disease. We lost jobs, got sick, and even died due to COVID-19.

But the year had its bright spots too.

One of them was the extraordinary efforts by all the front-line medical professionals and other essential workers who risked their own health to serve us.

Another is the HARRY amazing generosity that poured out LEVINE from members of our community to help those in need.

A third was the extraordinary efforts of our nonprofit sector that rose to meet many challenges with fewer resources.

As the year draws to a close, there are a few days remaining when you might consider gifts to those very

EDITORIAL: Brighter Times Coming, But Not Quite Yet EDITORIAL/From A4 First, we can thank ourselves.

The widespread – in some cases, almost universal – wearing of masks, is an expression of caring for our fellow citizens. Masks, it’s been widely reported, may protect the wearer – but, mostly, they protect us from infecting people with whom we come into contact.

In that sense, wearing a mask is an act of love, the central Christmas sentiment. We should be proud of ourselves and others.

• Second, we can thank our professionals.

Our Bassett Healthcare Network was up to the challenge. Brinton Muller, the local hospital’s emergency preparedness manager, formed a committee to prepare for a possible coronavirus infestation as early as January, well ahead of our state and national leaders.

In March, when the worst began to happen, then-President/CEO Bill Streck was able to roll out a “hotline” and testing tents almost immediately.

He was assisted in those early days

by Drs. Bill LeCates, Steve Heneghan (since departed) and Charles Hyman.

Fingers crossed, but an expanded ICU has yet to reach its capacity, a fear in those early days.

(Astonishingly, Bassett accomplished all this during a transition to the new president/CEO, Tommy Ibrahim, who devised and began implementing a futuristic, system-wide reorganization parallel to the COVID fight. That reflects a first-rate operation – and brings the famous Scott Fitzgerald quote to mind.)

Outside Bassett, county Public Health Director Heidi Bond became the face of the COVID-19 fight.

• Third, of our political leaders.

Oneonta Mayor Gary Herzig reported the other day that, in limiting the campus outbreak’s impact, the City of Oneonta’s infection rate is among the lowest in the state.

Cooperstown Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh achieved similar results, with Governor Cuomo singling out “America’s Most Perfect Village” last month for

its particular success. This, despite hosting baseball fans from around the country over the summer – fewer, for sure, but enough to pose a threat.

At the county level, the Big Three – Treasurer Allen Ruffles, with the support and encouragement of the county board’s top leadership, Chairman Dave Bliss and Vice Chair Meg Kennedy – put together a package of borrowings and revenue streams designed to get county government through a historic challenge with minimal impact.

• Of course, as we wish for “peace on Earth, good will toward men” at Christmastime, let’s not forget pride is considered a sin. We’ve done well, but we’re not out of this yet.

It could take weeks, maybe months – let’s hope otherwise – before the anti-COVID vaccines are available locally. Let’s stay the course, wearing masks, social distancing, washing our hands and avoiding crowds – as we have.

We’ve proven we can do it. As we count our blessings this Christmas, let’s stay the course.

nonprofits which performed so well for us all.

Our tax policy rewards those who make charitable donations by allowing donors to reduce their taxable income and save on taxes.

But there is a hard deadline of Dec. 31 for taking advantage of some good ideas for 2020.

Here are a few of those ideas: • Taxpayers who do not itemize deductions are entitled to reduce their taxable income by up to $300 by simply making gifts before the end of the year to qualified charities.

• If you do itemize your deductions and want to donate at least $10,000 but are not yet ready to decide which organizations you want to support, you can establish a donor-advised

fund and benefit from the tax deduction this year, while deciding later how to allocate your gift.

• Those with IRAs who are at least 70½ can make gifts to charities (up to $100,000) directly from an IRA and the distribution comes out tax-free instead of taxable. Be careful, however, as 2020 is a year in which there is no required minimum distribution and the age for starting RMDs has been extended to 72.

• For 2020 only (thanks to the CARES Act), donors are permitted to deduct charitable gifts equal to 100 percent of their adjusted gross income (compared to the usual 60 percent for cash gifts and 30 percent for gifts of appreciated stock).

• Speaking of appreciated stock, this week may be a good time to donate highly appreciated stock (owned for at least one year) and Please See LEVINE, A6

FOOD FOR THOUGHT

In Time Of Hardship, Faith More Relevant Than Ever

T

he people of Jesus’ day were fatigued as we are, waiting for whispered promises of hope and renewal. Christians believe this fragile and tender newborn, hailing from an impoverished family, is God’s first sign of hope.

The Gospel writer John makes an astonishing claim about Jesus. In this Son of David “was life, and that life was the light of men.” A “light shines in the darkness, and yet the darkness did not overcome it.”

Yes, the answer to the world’s deep problems lay in a makeshift nursery, surrounded by farm animals.

Here we are, 2,000 years later ... Why are we still waiting and longing and hoping?

Advent teaches us to both find a reason for joy – joy in the life and death and resurrection of Jesus – and

yet ache with longing for the consummation of that promise, a kingdom of peace and justice this Son of David promises to bring when he returns again.

In that first century, it was outlandish, almost foolish to believe that the baby in the manger was the son of God and today it is just as bizarre to believe that he will return to make all things new.

Yet this is where followers of Jesus find their joy. Not an ebullient euphoria that papers over pain, but a deep seated and fixed anchor for the soul. Christmas – the real version – comes to us not as an alternative to our sorrow but in the midst of it and gives permission to spend this season in authentic and desperate longing for the better world to come.

DANIEL DARLING USA Today, Dec. 20, 2020

THURSDAY, December 24, 2020

A-6 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

BERKSON: Squirrel Finds Home, And Everybody Has Happy Christmas BERKSON/From A4 The advantage of using the exterminator’s trap was that it would catch the squirrel automatically.

But it was expensive and I was sure my bird cage would get this rodent without losing too much time.

When my irascibly pregnant wife Alice came home from work and saw my set-up she asked, “Get much writing done today?”

I explained the gravity of the invasion.

“Should’ve hired the exterminator,” Alice said.

• Late the next day the squirrel made his way down the tree and jumped to the ground. He approached the cage and when near pressed against the bars to smell the peanut butter. Then he stuck his head through the door and I was about to pull the string, but a stray cat appeared and frightened him off.

The next day Alice arrived home and was getting out of the car with her arms full of Christmas packages when she spotted me idling at the window.

“Told you to get the exterminator!” she called. I obliterated her from

view by fogging the glass with my breath.

• In the morning, I spotted the squirrel slowly creeping down the maple. I ran down and out to the pantry and took hold of the line as he once again poked his head into the cage – but not his whole body. I wasn’t wearing a jacket and soon began to shiver.

Inside the house the phone on the wall rang. It continued to ring as I shook from the cold. Through the glass in the back door the caller I.D. showed that it was my editor Haskel.

I was supposed to be working.

The squirrel entered the cage cautiously, his hind legs holding on to the outside of the bars. I waited as he scooped paws full of peanut butter out of a birdseed cup. The more he ate the more his body advanced. I looked in at the phone which was still ringing.

“Remove all distractions,” Haskel had said on another pressing assignment.

When I turned back, the squirrel was completely inside so I yanked on the twine and the door snapped shut.

I had him! He was circling his cell in a frenzy. To calm him I covered the

cage with an old blanket that Alice had draped over an antique chair in the cellar. Soon fat snowflakes began to fall.

• After drinking a celebratory eggnog, I went upstairs and flipped on the computer. My heart sank when the screen came up blank. I checked a backup file but it too was empty. The deadline! How could I face Haskel – or Alice?

My wife showed up just before dark and followed me out to the cage in the backyard. When I removed the snow and lifted the blanket to show her my prisoner, she said, “So, now you’re going to let him loose in the park without his acorns – that he’s been gathering all year. How would you like it if somebody separated you from your work?” The squirrel sat there looking pathetic.

“Yeah,” my wife continued. “He’ll be panhandling, getting chased off by other squirrels.”

“After all this work,” I protested.

“You want me to turn him loose?”

“It is Christmas Eve,” she said matter-of-factly.

•

Later that evening as Alice prodded me on, I walked out to my prisoner with some walnuts and water. Then I replaced the cover. I had a restless night thinking of editor Haskel’s advice, my computer problem, and the squirrel panhandling in the park.

On Christmas morning, I awoke to a cranked up rendition of Tchaikovsky’s Nutcracker Suite.

Alice was curious to see how the squirrel had fared, so before opening presents I dressed and waded through a snowdrift to the cage.

When I lifted the blanket it was empty. The door was shut tight and there were no breaks in the bars. Two faint snow blown tracks were nearby.

“Well?” my wife called from the window.

“Did you let him loose?” I asked.

“Absolutely not,” she said shaking her head.

• That evening, after pushing aside plum pudding, I grabbed my coat and gloves and went outside to shovel the sidewalk. Later, I crawled up to the attic and once again heard rustling behind the wall. That squirrel was back. To add insult, the task of

STERNBERG: Help On Way As Vaccines STERNBERG/From A5 sential workers.

Shakespeare would definitely not agree.

Neither do I. Some yes, but all of them?

Corporate attorneys who haven’t been in a courtroom in decades and only represent clients who can pay them more than $500/hour?

• There are other vaccines coming out soon. Janssen/ Johnson & Johnson, AstroZenica/Oxford, and Novavax are among those in stage three testing in the USA that may be able to get FDA approval.

China and Russia have both approved their own vaccines and are inoculating people at home and overseas.

The entire United Arab Emirates’ Tour

de France winning cycling team has been inoculated with the Chinese Sinopharma vaccine.

Hopefully the vaccines from outside North America and Europe will also generate honest, reproducible data. We need every dose that can be produced that works. There are seven billion people in the world and frankly most of them would benefit by being vaccinated.

• In the meantime, we can decrease deaths and slow down progression of the disease with the same simple methods that I have been advocating for nine months.

(Yes, it’s that long.) Wear a mask, socially distance, don’t get lackadaisical just because you know some else well.

My god-daughter and her husband

both contracted it from their 11-monthold. All are well. We just lost an Otsego citizen who caught COVID from a group home worker who contracted it at a Thanksgiving dinner.

Small group, known people. But someone died because of it. We are so close, people: Stay the course (and any other cliché you can think of).

Merry Christmas and I wish everyone a New Year that at least begins to approach sanity.

Richard Sternberg, retired Bassett Hospital orthopedic surgeon, is providing his professional perspective weekly during the COVID-19 threat. A village trustee, he resides in Cooperstown.

Yes, Virginia, Santa Lives On VIRGINIA/From A4 can see. Did you ever see fairies dancing on the lawn? Of course not, but that’s no proof that they are not there. Nobody can conceive or imagine all the wonders there are unseen and unseeable in the world.

You tear apart the baby’s rattle and see what makes the noise inside, but there is a veil covering the unseen world which not the strongest man, nor even the united strength of all the strongest men that ever lived could tear apart. Only faith, poetry, love, romance, can push aside that curtain and view and picture the supernal beauty and

resurrecting my lost work looked impossible.

When I turned on the computer, the mouse seemed curiously warm in my hand. Then the screen lit up and there to my joy and amazement appeared my story! I could hear Alice laboring up the stairs.

• “How’s the work going?” she asked as she reached the top step.

“Fine,” I answered suspiciously.

There was some chatter behind the wall.

“Well,” Alice said looking towards the noise. “He’s home for Christmas.”

“A good ending,” I imagined editor Haskel saying.

“At least he won’t be panhandling in the park,” Alice murmured while putting her arms around me.”

“I met her embrace and realized, “And neither will I!” Terry Berkson, who has an MFA in creative writing from Brooklyn College, lives on a farm outside Richfield Springs. His articles have appeared in New York magazine, the New York Daily News Sunday Magazine, Automobile and other publications.

LEVINE: Donate – Here’s How LEVINE/From A5 save having to pay capital gains tax. But you will need to get any transfer in motion quickly as the year is running to its end.

• A charitable gift annuity is another way to generate a tax deduction in 2020 while securing a fixed annual income.

At death, the funds in the annuity go to your designated charity. The charitable deduction is relatively high right now as interest rates used to calculate the amount of the deduction are very low.

• Please consult your own tax advisers for specifics on these ideas.

Regardless of whether tax considerations are important to you, this is a great time to show your appreciation for those nonprofits in our community that work tirelessly to help us and our neighbors.

Donating today and supporting those organizations would be a very nice way to say thanks for being there for us.

The Community Foundation of Otsego County is here to help you invest in your community. For additional information, contact us a contact@ cfotsego.org.

Harry Levine is president of the Community Foundation of Otsego County.

HOLLYWOOD CUTS

glory beyond. Is it all real?

Ah, Virginia, in all this world there is nothing else real and abiding.

No Santa Claus! Thank God! He lives and lives forever. A thousand years from now, Virginia, nay 10 times 10,000 years from now, he will continue to make glad the heart of childhood.

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Wishing Everyone a Very Happy Holiday Season!

All

OTSEGO.Christmas

LET THERE BE LIGHTS!

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2020

PAGE B-1

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in Otsego County

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Ian Austin/

Mouse King Evan Clark and The Nutcracker lock in a duel of swords beneath the Christmas tree in The Fokine Ballet’s 2019 performance of “The Nutcracker,” which will be performed virtually this year.

Virtual Ballet, Santa Claus is flanked by Oneonta First Lady Connie Herzig, left, and Festival of Lights organizer Carol Mandigo.

Christmas Meal Against All Odds, Festival Takes Flight Or Deck The Halls AllOTSEGO.life

Ian Austin/

By LIBBY CUDMORE ONEONTA

A Organizer Mandigo scrutinizes those pesky tripping circuits.

s dusk settled over Neahwa Park, Carol Mandigo wasn’t sure what to expect when she flipped the switches to turn on the Festival of Lights.

What she saw were cars lined up as far as Main and

►IF YOU GO: You can see the Festival of Lights from dusk to 10 p.m. every night through Sunday, Jan. 3.

River streets, waiting their turns to be driven around the 37 displays of holiday lights and decorations set up around the park.

“I couldn’t believe it,” Mandigo said. “I had no idea it was going to be as popular as it was.”

The event – it began last Friday, Dec. 18, and continues every night from dusk until 10 p.m. through Sunday, Jan. 3 – was a spinoff from the traditional First Night celebration, which, along with the Hometown Fourth of July, was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Everyone on the board was really sad that we had to cancel,” she said. “We Please See LIGHTS, B2

Owl-Fresco Crowns Alfresco’s Holiday Explosion At Oneonta Restaurant,Christmas Rules

By CHRYSTAL SAVAGE ONEONTA

O

wl-Fresco, the Christmas Pickle and a creche tucked in a corner are only a few of the hidden gems amid Alfresco’s Italian Bistro holiday decorations this season.

“We want to get people in the spirit,” said owner Elisabeth Webster.

“Alfresco’s is not just a place to eat – we want it to be a true evening out. Even if you’re not eating here, you can come in and look at the Ian Austin/ OTSEGO.life decorations.”

For 33 years now, Alfresco’s proprietors Elisabeth and If you look closely, you’ll Preparation at the restaurant, Gerald Webster have been building their annual Christmas see Owl-Fresco amid the Please See OWL-FRESCO, B2 display – it’s not to be missed. branches.

All

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL • HOMETOWN ONEONTA

T

he Fokine Ballet’s performance of “The Nutcracker” is an Oneonta tradition, and this year, the performance will be streamed virtually. $15, available through Dec. 31. www.deckerschool ofballet.com.

• LIBBY Pick up last minute CUDMORE gifts and enjoy plein air works by Ursula Carr Bower at the Art Garage. Call or text to reserve viewing slot. 10 a.m.

– 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 24, The Art Garage, 689 Beaver Meadow Rd., Cooperstown. (607) 547-5327.

• Enjoy a traditional Christmas meal prepared by the Friends of Christmas Holiday Dinner at St Mary’s Church, Oneonta. Free, delivery and take-out only. Friday, Dec. 25, call (607) 4359198 for delivery, (607) 287-5089 for take-out.

• Even after the holidays, there’s still time to take a virtual walk through ‘Decking The Halls’ with live Q&A with Manager of Arts Education, Kevin Gray. 2 p.m. Monday, Dec. 28, Fenimore Art Museum, Cooperstown. www.fenimoreartmuseum.org/ • Celebrate first day of 2021 with self-guided hike along the Overlook Trail. Glimmerglass State Park, 1527 Co. Rd. 31, Cooperstown. 10 – 11 a.m. Friday, Jan. 1, www.facebook. com/GlimmerglassStatePark/

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THURSDAY, December 24, 2020

Exhibit On Negro Leagues Rechristened ‘Ideals And Injustices’ HALL/From A1 “We wanted to shine a light on these conflicted stories. And when we met this summer, the board unanimously decided to make these important changes.”

So now, the “Pride and Passion” exhibit has been renamed “Ideals and Injustices: A Chronology of Black Baseball.”

It focuses not just on the formation of the Negro Leagues and Jackie Robinson’s breaking of the color barrier, but addressing the history of racism within the game, even by those honored in the Hall of Plaques downstairs.

“Cap Anson, for example, was an early superstar of baseball, but his actions helped lead the league towards segregation,” said Shestakofsky.

A first baseman for the Chicago Cubs, Anson was reported to have said he “would never step on a field that also had a Black man on it.”

He was inducted into the Hall with the first class, in 1939.

Though Anson and others,

Hall of Fame for a reason, they did a lot to sustain the game, but there’s more to be said about their lasting impacts.”

Nonetheless, the Hall does not plan to alter the plaques in the gallery.

“I don’t feel in any context that one should expunge history, that one should erase history,” The Freeman’s Journal & HOMETOWN ONEONTA said Jane Forbes Clark, Hall of Fame chairman, A new sign at the entrance to the Hall of Plaques said those therein are only in an interview with recognized “for their accomplishments the New York Times in the game.” that appeared over the weekend. including Boston Red Sox owner “Part of our mission is not only Thomas Yawley and Commissioner to honor excellence and connect Kenesaw Mountain Landis, had previously been mentioned in “Pride generations, but it’s to preserve the history of the game, and that’s what and Passion,” Shestakofsky said we’re doing,” she said. “We’re the updated panels “clarifies” their opposition to integrating the league. reacting to the evolution of society and society wanting a deeper “These upgraded panels delve understanding of underlying racism more deeply into the complicated — its causes, its history, and how it history,” he said. “They’re in the

Owl-Fresco Adds Novelty To Alfresco Panoply OWL-FRESCO/From B1 which Elisabeth and husband Gerald have run for 33 years in the former Oneonta Dairy, started Thanksgiving Day when the “Main Tree” – this year, a 17-footer from Filor Farms in Cooperstown – was brought into the dining room and decorated by the Websters and the Alfresco’s staff over the weekend.

“It takes about 50 hours to put everything up,” she said.

“And 75 to take it all down.”

There are five trees across four dining rooms, including a black tree covered in Italian masks, a tree themed to the French countryside and a fiber-optic sci-fi tree decorated with “Star Wars” and superheroes in homage, in part, to their son James Cory, who works as a comics illustrator.

This year, they added a new twist on an old Webster family favorite. “We’ve always had owls on our tree, but we brought this one down for the main tree,” she said. “We tell people he’s Rocky’s cousin who decided to stay in the country for Christmas.”

“We call him Owl-Fresco,” said Gerald.

Owl-Fresco, along with the traditional glass German gherkin, is hidden on the tree for diners to try and find among the pizza and Santa ornaments.

“Stanislaus, who does our sauce, sends us a beautiful tomato ornament every year,” Elisabeth said.

Friends donated decorations over the years, and Elisabeth often gives away decorations to staff or customers. “We recycle,” she said.

Every corner is filled – an army of nutcrackers overlooks diners from a shelf near the ceiling, and a Lenox china crèche is tucked off the main dining room. Even the outdoors is decorated by Gerald with wreaths and poinsettias from Mount Vision Garden Center.

“We really enjoy going all out at Christmas,” Elisabeth said. “Not everyone has the space to host or decorate but we hope that our efforts help to bring an element of that to those that can’t.”

Diners on Christmas eve will even get a party favor of their own; a traditional “Christmas cracker” with a prize inside. “We always give these away,” she said. “And kids can get a candy cane too.”

The decorations will remain up until mid-January, when the tree will serve a second purpose – protecting the restaurant’s rose bushes, a tradition Elisabeth has carried on from her childhood growing up in Potsdam.

“We used to get made fun of in high school for collecting the trees that others had thrown out,” Elisabeth said. “But my dad – an economist and passionate about his rose bushes – highly suggested we do it; it’s a tradition we continue.”

AllOTSEGO.

continues to affect the game.”

Instead, a sign has been placed at the entrance to the Hall of Plaques, which reads: “Enshrinement into the National Baseball Hall of Fame reflects the perspective of voters at the time of election. The plaques on these walls recognize Members for their accomplishments in the game.”

It also directs visitors to continue their own exploration of the history in the museum exhibits, library archives, and educational resources.

“When people request educational materials, Jackie Robinson and Civil Rights are requested the most often,” said Shestakofsky.

“Education is one of the pillars of our work as an institution.”

But the changes have also allowed the Hall to tell more stories to their visitors.

“Someone like Effa Manley, the only woman enshrined in the Hall, deserves a more full look,” he said. “As an owner, she did a lot to enhance the status of black baseball.”

“She was exceptional,” Clark told the Times. “I just find it a wonderful balance, because it’s not just that we’re looking at racists and Anson and Landis, we’re also looking at somebody who did something so positive.”

Manley was among 17 figures — all deceased — from the Negro leagues elected to the Hall in 2006, following a study by the Major League Baseball. However, that same vote excluded Buck O’Neil, former players and the MLB’s first black coach.

In 2006, O’Neil spoke at the induction ceremony, and a lifetime achievement award at the Hall was named in his honor. But he was never voted into the museum.

Shestakofsky said the exhibit and new signage have received “a very positive response,” so far, and that the curators will continue to look at ways to improve exhibits throughout the museum.

“We are a history museum,” he said. “Our job is to preserve the game’s history.”

Lights Shine Bright At Neahwa Park

LIGHTS/From B1 got together to decide if we should do something for New Year’s or just bag the whole year. No one would blame us if we didn’t put on an event.”

But Mandigo had seen the Lights on the Lake event in Liverpool, the Syracuse suburb, and although it cost “hundreds of thousands of dollars” to have it professionally put together, she pitched the board an idea: “What if we asked the community to put up displays?”

The board agreed, but she still wasn’t sure if the community at large would embrace the idea. “Then it would be lame, and that would be terrible for us,” she said.

She reached out to Ben Guenther at Five Star Subaru first to see if he would sponsor a display. “He was all about it,” she said. “And once I knew he was backing us, I knew we had something special.”

The Otsego County Chamber of Commerce sent out a call for displays in its newsletter,

and soon, the emails started pouring in. “I was shocked,” she said. “I really thought we were going to have to do it all by ourselves.”

Several of the displays were dedicated to John Hayen, who in 2017 hung 23,500 lights in his home and yard on Tilly Avenue, surpassing the record set by Chevy Chase’s Clark Griswold in “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” He passed away in November.

Bassett Healthcare employees’ display paid tribute to front-line workers, while the Brooks’ BBQ display featured Santa surrounded by chickens.

There were logistical challenges to overcome, including how to power each display without tripping circuits. “I’ve been living out in the cold from morning until night,” said Mandigo.

“We had to figure out how to power everybody, how to run all these cords and how to protect the displays.”

And then came the snow.

Overnight snow on Thursday, Dec. 17, dumped 29 inches of powder on the city, burying all but the tallest displays. “People were worried that it wouldn’t work,” she said. “But no one ever said to postpone it.”

Instead, the groups came out to shovel out their displays.

“It was a miracle,” she said.

“We were still tripping circuits, but by 3:30 p.m. on Friday, we were ready to go.”

The event opened at dusk with entertainment, including Cosmic Karma Fire, Mike the Juggler and Santa Claus.

“Santa went to each car and asked the kids’ names and what they wanted for Christmas,” she said. “And the kids were so excited to see him.”

Even Mandigo donned a set of light-up wings to welcome visitors over the weekend. “I had so much fun seeing the kids faces light up,” she said. “That’s what First Night is all about.”

Thank You!

Thanks to everyone who came by to say hello, especially in this weather!

dining&entertainment

IT’S HERE!!!!!

THE GREAT OTSEGO HOLIDAY LIGHT TRAIL NOW to December 31, 2020

Thank you to the Cooperstown Fire Department and Emergency Squad!

With all that you do, thank you for taking the time to say hello!

Thank you to the Honorable Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh!

Thank you to the Honorable Senator Jim Seward and Cindy, our long-time good friends!

The map of local, spectacular light displays is up and running!

Gather the family! Call some friends! Load up the car!

Go to Facbook, then to The Great Otsego Light Trail. Like us then Begin The Journey! Follow the lights on the map and enjoy the best lights in the region! ALSO AllOtsego.com and Destination Oneonta facebook pages will have the interactive map as well!

Don’t forget to add your favorite light displays and photos to the page too!

LEAF

Share the joy.... Share the light this season!

A very special thank you to Maitresse d’ Elaine Bresee!

Thank you from the Waller and Satriano families for your support all these years!

207 Main Street, Cooperstown 607-547-8822 • 800-378-1143 Mohicanflowers.org

AllOTSEGO.life

THURSDAY, december 24, 2020

Rubin Charts Interim Role RUBIN/From A1 Services, a 16-county medical transport business and local taxicab company, Rubin said he has no interest in the job.

However, he wants to ensure the Chamber is in a position to fulfill its mission: “We should be a driving force in helping build the economic landscape of Otsego County,” he said.

Before the search begins, Rubin intends to ask the Chamber’s executive committee to review and ensure the strategic plan is sufficient to that task.

The executive committee

includes Realtor Joan Fox, the new chair; Family Planning’s Deb Marcus, CDO Workforce’s Alan Sessions and Springbrook’s Chris Hurlburt.

He plans to ask at least two outside executives with related experience to participate, but had not yet invited them, and said he will announce their names after they’ve agreed to serve.

When a structured search begins, “we will encourage people within the county and beyond to throw their hats into the ring,” he said.

Rubin came to SUNY

Oneonta from Levittown, majoring in political science, intending to become a lawyer. But he discovered his calling as an entrepreneur.

While an undergrad, he developed World Is Yours Delivery, 20 years before Uber Eats, delivering food and other necessities to SUNY and Hartwick students.

He graduated in 1993, and founded A&D Transport Services in 1996 with partner David Freed – the two still co-own and operate

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Contact Michael | 908-770-4599 Michael.mandel@oorah.org

For all applications, please submit your resume and contact information to: raizel.hoffman@oorah.org

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Family Partner

Interested in a rewarding career working with children? ONC BOCES has the job for YOU! We have positions available for teachers,support staff and substitutes.

Center Associate OFO is a family-oriented organization offering competetive wages, excellent benefits and opportunities for professional growth. For an application, submission instructions, benefit package summary and descriptions of all employment openings, visit

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EOE

The leader in developing innovative solutions to promote healthy lives, thriving families, and caring communities since 1966.

married Michelle IanelliRubin, and the couple has three sons: Allan Michael, 14, Matthew, 13, and Luca, 11. He tells them, “You get out what you put in.”

As it happens, his wife is a member of the family that ran Ianelli’s Restaurant at 99 Chestnut St., torn down to make way for Walgreen’s.

While a SUNY student, he asked his roommate to pick him up a fettucine Alfredo from Ianelli’s. That inspired him to found World Is Yours Delivery.

job scene

Food Service Supervisor Assistant Teacher

and grow.”

In the early years, he discovered after the fact that Common Council had expanded the city’s taxi code from three pages to 27, and he realized a Chamber’s importance to the business people.

“This is the thing – small businesses are working to survive – the chamber can advise its members of what they should know before they end up in a tough spot,” he said.

Along the way, Rubin

The

Join Our Team of Dedicated and Caring Professionals

Head Start Director

the business today. In 1998, A&D won approval to transport Medicare patients and vital goods as a subcontractor.

After 17 years, state law changed to allow A&D to provide those services directly, allowing the expansion of medical transport services to the 16 counties, and expand its workforce to 150.

“It’s like a tree,” he said in an interview, “you start at one point and there are so many ways to branch off

B-3

Please visit www.oncboces.org/jobs for complete list of openings, job descriptions and application information.

EOE

Carpenters...Plumbers...

General Laborers...

Mechanics

Your skills are needed right away!!

Large, State of the art facility in Gilboa, NY is seeking full-time employees immediately. Being multi-skilled is a big PLUS! Excellent place to work with rewarding pay.

Contact Michael 908-770-4599 Michael.mandel@oorah.org

ONEONTA JOB CORPS ACADEMY CAREERS BEGIN HERE!

Do you enjoy working with young adults and wish to inspire people for success?

Are you looking for a fulfilling career opportunity with benefits and retirement?

About Us Job Corps is the nation’s largest career technical training and educational program for young people ages 16-24. Established in 1964, Job Corps serves approximately 60,000 young people each year.

Our Mission To teach eligible young people the skills they need to become employable and independent and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.

Open Positions Cafeteria Cook

Full Time; $14/hour; Tues - Sat 7am to 4pm Prepares quantities of food in accordance with local, state and national food safety regulations, assist in cleaning and maintenance of service equipment.

Cafeteria Cook Assistant

Full Time; $13/hour; Tues - Sat 7am to 4pm Assist in prep and serving of food, cleans and maintains dining facilities and service equipment.

Independent Living Advisor

Full Time; $14/hour; Overnight & weekend shifts Monitor student activity in the dorms and provide guidance and counseling to ensure appropriate student hebavior.

FULL TIME BENEFITS: Medical, Vision and Dental; 401K Retirement; Employer Paid Life Insurance; Paid Sick and Vacation time; Paid Holidays Contact Us

Email resumes to Oneonta.HR@etrky.com Or Fax 607-431-1519 or Call Human Resources @ 607-431-1402 Our address is 21 Homer Folks Ave, Oneonta NY 13820 https://www.etrky.com/ • https://oneonta.jobcorps.gov/ ETR is an Equal Opportunity Employer and herein reiterates its policy of equal opportunity for all qualified individuals without distinction or discrimination because of race, color, religion, marital status, political affiliation or belief, sex, age, national origin or veteran status

eOe

Offices in Cooperstown and Oneonta are looking for new and established agents!

Please contact Melissa Klein at melissaklein@howardhanna.com, or 518-705-9849.

THURSDAY, december 24, 2020

B-4 THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Ommegang To Double Canning, Plans $1M Production Line In 2022

CANS/From A1 staffing as the brewery currently has.

It’s part of a larger plan for the brewery to dramatically increase their packaged beer for sale.

“The industry began trending towards cans a couple years ago,” he said. “They’re ideal for when you’re at an event where you can’t take glass, and aluminum is much more recyclable than glass.”

Cans are also easier to ship, he said, and more can be shipped on one truck.

The canned line, which includes Neon Rainbows, Solera, Rosetta and others, had helped keep the brand afloat during the COVID pandemic.

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Legal nOtice NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE is hereby given that there has been duly introduced before the Board of Representatives of the County of Otsego, New York, a Local Law entitled: A Local Law establishing the salaries of Public Defender (PT), County Auditor/ Clerk of the Board, County Treasurer, Director Real Property Tax Service II, County Clerk, County Attorney, Personnel Officer, Commissioner of Elections (Dem), Sheriff, Director of Public Health, County Superintendent of Highways, Commissioner of Social Services Group I, for the year 2021.

NOTICE is further given that the Board of Representatives will conduct a public hearing on the proposed Local Law in the Representatives Chambers at the County Office Building in the Village of Cooperstown, New York on Wednesday, January 6, 2021 at 9:45 a.m.

Under the current COVID-19 emergency/Executive orders, this public hearing will not be physically open to the public at the County Office Building. Written comments can be mailed to the Otsego County Clerk of the Board, atn.

Carol McGovern, 197 Main Street, Cooperstown NY 13326 or comments can be emailed to comments@ otsegocounty.com and will be accepted until 9 a.m. on January 6, 2021 The public hearing will be streamed via Facebook Live on the official Otsego County Facebook page: https://www. facebook.com/ Otsego-County-NY102347451408765/ A copy of this Local Law is available on the Otsego County website.

Dated: December 24, 2020

Carol D. McGovern Clerk of the Board of Representatives Otsego County, New York 1LegalDec.24

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“We worked hard to transition into packaged beer,” said DeBar. “We were told by several of our distributors that we were one of the few suppliers that could keep up with the demand.”

Prior to the pandemic, kegs for bars and restaurants were “50 percent” of their business.

“Every brewery in the world was affected by COVID,” said Matt Szymanski, CFO, Duvel Moortgat USA in Kansas City, Mo. “We were no exception. And our biggest market is New York City, and they were hit so badly. We really got the worst of both worlds.”

According to Jody Zakrevsky, Otsego Now president, the brewery

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11 Broadway, #615, New York, NY 10004.

Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.21 Legal nOtice

Notice of Formation of Trip L Farm LLC Filed 6/30/20 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Miosek Law, 29 Pioneer Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.21 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Gretchen Raddatz Wellness LLC Filed 8/27/20 Office: Otsego Co. SSNY designated as agent for process & shall mail to: 6559 State Highway 80, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: all lawful 6LegalJan.21 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of Platt Hollow Homes, LLC. Filed 10/23/20.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: Chad Whitbeck, 360 County Hwy 42, Maryland, NY 12116.

Purpose: General.

6LegalJan.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of BYAM’S RENTAL PROPERTIES LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/17/20.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 35 Country Ln., Oneonta, NY 13820.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

Notice of Formation of

HFB PROPERTIES, LLC

Detox With the Docs, LLC.

Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/13/20.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 35 Country Ln., Oneonta, NY 13820.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall

Art. of Org. filed with the SSNY on 11/03/2020.

Office: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to Jackson LLP @

dropped from selling 60,000 barrels a year to 18,000 a year.

“Their biggest issue is with COVID-19,” he said. “They’re not selling enough, because bars and restaurants aren’t ordering beer because they’ve closed.”

On Oct. 18, Zakrevsky got an email from Chance Nicols, CFO at Duvel in Kansas City. The email said the Duvel family, in Belgium, had decided to delay a decision on canning line until 2022.

The larger canning operation would cost an estimated $1 million.

“We were in contact with their Kansas City office, which is their home base (in the U.S.), about three months ago,” he said. “We had a

LEGALS

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mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.14

with the Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on November 2, 2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of the LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail a copy of process to: Incorporating Services Ltd: 3500 South Dupont Highway, Dover, DE 19901.

Purpose: Any lawful acts or activities.

Latest date upon which LLC is to dissolve: No specific date.

6LegalJan.14

Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of PEACEFUL FLATS PROPERTIES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/13/20.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 35 Country Ln., Oneonta, NY 13820.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: MMS-DS PROPERTIES LLC. Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 2 December 2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 144 Johnny Cake Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalJan.14 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of JGG PROPERTIES, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 11/13/20.

Office location: Otsego County.

Princ. office of LLC: 35 Country Ln., Oneonta, NY 13820.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to Corporation Service Co., 80 State St., Albany, NY 12207.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalJan.14 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company (LLC) OTICA, LLC, Articles of Organization were filed

Legal nOtice SUPPLEMENTAL SUMMONS SUPREME COURT OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK, COUNTY OF OTSEGO NATIONSTAR MORTGAGE LLC D/B/A CHAMPION MORTGAGE COMPANY, Plaintiff, against Jack E. Sanders, Jr., as Heir to the Estate of Joy Miller Sanders; Unknown Heirs to the Estate of Joy Miller Sanders, any and all persons unknown to plaintiff, claiming, or who may claim to have an interest in, or general or specific lien upon the real property described in this action; such unknown persons being herein generally described and intended to be included in the following designation, namely: the wife, widow, husband, widower, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors, and assignees of such deceased, any and all persons deriving interest in or lien upon, or title to said real property by, through or under them, or either of them, and their respective wives, widows, husbands, widowers, heirs at law, next of kin, descendants, executors, administrators, devisees, legatees, creditors, trustees, committees, lienors and assigns, all of whom and whose names, except as stated, are unknown to plaintiff; Gutchess Lumber Company, Inc.; Secretary of Housing and Urban Development; United States of America Department of Treasury; New York State Department of Taxation and FinanceTax Compliance Division-C.O.-ATC, and JOHN DOE AND JANE DOE #1 through #7, the last seven (7) names being fictitious and unknown to the Plaintiff, the persons or parties intended being the tenants, occupants, persons

dialogue between them and Empire State Development. My understanding is that the Moortgat family has decided to table the Ommegang canning capital project for 2021 and revisit for 2022.

He continued, “There are too many unknowns at this time with the market so they will manage with the current operational configuration for 2021.”

DeBar said doubling production will work as an “interim,” with the larger expansion down the line.

“We are seeking a grant,” he said.

In the meantime, Szymanski said the company has other priorities to keep them viable.

“Our focus right now is Neon

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or parties, if any, having or claiming an interest in or lien upon the mortgaged premises described in the Complaint, Defendants

You are in danger of losing your home. If you fail to respond to the Summons and Complaint in this Foreclosure Action, you may lose your home. Please read the Summons and Complaint carefully. You should immediately contact an attorney of your local legal aid office to obtain advice on how to protect yourself.

Index No. EF2020-155.

Plaintiff Designates Otsego County as the Place of Trial.

The Basis of Venue is that the subject action is situated in Otsego County. To the above named Defendants YOU ARE HEREBY SUMMONED to answer the Complaint in this action and to serve a copy of your answer, or, if the complaint is not served with this Summons, to serve a notice of appearance, on the Plaintiff’s Attorney(s) within 20 days after the service of this Summons, exclusive of the day of service (or within 30 days after the service is complete if this Summons is not personally delivered to you within the State of New York); the United States of America may appear or answer within 60 days of service hereof; and in case of your failure to appear or answer, judgment will be taken against you by default for the relief demanded in the Complaint. That this Supplemental Summons is being filed pursuant to an order of the court dated October 23, 2020.

NOTICE YOU ARE IN DANGER OF LOSING YOUR HOME If you do not respond to this summons and complaint by serving a copy of the answer on the attorney for the mortgage company who filed this foreclosure proceeding against you and filing the answer with the court, a default judgment may be entered and you can lose your home. Speak to an attorney or go to the court where your case is pending for further information on how to answer the summons and protect your property.

Sending a payment to the mortgage company will not stop the foreclosure action. YOU MUST RESPOND

BY SERVING A COPY OF THE ANSWER ON THE ATTORNEY FOR THE PLAINTIFF (MORTGAGE COMPANY) AND FILING THE ANSWER WITH THE COURT. HELP FOR HOMEOWNERS IN FORECLOSURE; New York State law requires that we send you this notice about the foreclosure process. Please read it carefully.

SUMMONS AND COMPLAINT

SOURCES OF INFORMATION AND ASSISTANCE The State encourages you to become informed about your options in foreclosure. In addition to seeking assistance from an attorney or legal aid office, there are government agencies and non-profit organizations that you may contact for information about possible options, including trying to work with your lender during this process. To locate an entity near you, you may call the toll-free helpline maintained by the New York State Department of Financial Services’ at 1-800-269-0990 or visit the Department’s website at http://www.dfs. ny.gov.

FORECLOSURE RESCUE SCAMS Be careful of people who approach you with offers to “save” your home. There are individuals who watch for notices of foreclosure actions in order to unfairly profit from a homeowner’s distress. You should be extremely careful about any such promises and any suggestions that you pay them a fee or sign over your deed.

State law requires anyone offering such services for profit to enter into a contract which fully describes the services they will perform and fees they will charge, and which prohibits them from taking any money from you until they have completed all such promised services.

We are attempting to collect a debt.

Any information obtained will be used for that purpose. The foregoing summons is served upon you by publication pursuant to an order of the Honorable Brian D. Burns dated October 23, 2020.

The object of this action is to foreclose a mortgage and covering the premises known as 235 Sohne Road, Mount Vision, NY located at Section 174 Block 1 and Lot 26 Dated: November 9, 2020 Filed: November 10, 2020 Pincus Law Group, PLLC., Attorney for Plaintiff, By: George J. Weissinger, Esq., 425 RXR Plaza, Uniondale, NY 11556 (516) 6998902.

4LegalDec.24

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Legal nOtice Notice of Qualification of J&J ENTERPRISES LLC Appl. for Auth. filed with Secy. of State of NY (SSNY) on 08/27/20.

Office location: Otsego County.

LLC formed in Delaware (DE) on 08/25/20.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to c/o Lemery Greisler LLC, 60 Railroad Place, Suite 502, Saratoga Springs, NY 12866. DE addr. of LLC: c/o United Corporate Services, Inc., 874 Walker Road, Suite C, Dover, DE 19904.

Cert. of Form. filed with Secy. of State of the State of DE, Div. of Corps., P.O. Box 898, Dover, DE 19903.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalDec.31 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation for Harvest 336 LLC Name of LLC: Harvest 336 LLC Date of Filing of Articles of Organization with the NY Department of State: November 6, 2020 Office of the LLC: Otsego County The New York Secretary of State has been designated as the agent upon whom process may be served. The Secretary of State may mail a copy of any process to the LLC at: Sharon Boustani, 336 Coye Brook Road, South New Berlin, New York 13843 Purpose of the LLC: Any Lawful Purpose 6LegalDec.31 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company, (LLC) Name: Denison & Festa LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/09/2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 143 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.31 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of

Rainbows,” he said. “We’ve made it for the last two or three years, but it’s always been seasonal – this year, we’re launching it nationwide.”

Neon Lights, a New England session IPA, as well as Neon Neon, a New England Double IPA, are also part of the promoted line, but will remain seasonal. “Right now, our focus is firmly behind Neon Rainbows.”

Additionally, he said the creative team, including Rebecca Shafer, who relocated from the Cooperstown office to Kansas City, will “freshen” the brand of “legacy” beers, including Three Philosophers and Hennepin.

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ONIE PROPERTIES, LLC Articles of Org. filed NY Sec. of State (SSNY) 9/30/2020.

Office in Otsego Co. SSNY desig. agent of LLC whom process may be served. SSNY shall mail process to 8-12 Dietz St., Ste. 202, Oneonta, NY 13820, which is also the principal business location.

Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.31 Legal nOtice Notice of formation of Limited Liability Company, (LLC) Name: 143-147 Main Street LLC Articles of Organization filed with Secretary of State of New York (SSNY) on 11/06/2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail copy of process to: 143 Main Street, Cooperstown, NY 13326 Purpose: Any lawful purpose.

6LegalDec.31 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF 9 O’Neill Drive, LLC. Filed 10/21/20.

Office: Otsego Co. SSNY desig. as agent for process & shall mail to: c/o Paul J scorzafava Jr, 9 O Neill Dr, Oneonta, NY 13820.

Purpose: General.

6LegalDec.31 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: AGRINOMIC INSIGHTS LLC Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 16 November 2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 272 Bissell Rd, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws 6LegalDec.24 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company

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Name: CARR - ADAMS FARM LLC Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 October 2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 289 Greenough Road, Cooperstown, NY 13326.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalDec.24 Legal nOtice Notice of Formation of a NY Limited Liability Company Name: INNOVATION AG LLC Articles of Organization filing date with Secretary of State (SSNY) was 30 October 2020.

Office location: Otsego County.

SSNY has been designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served and SSNY shall mail copy of process to 7937 US Hwy 20, Sharon Springs, NY 13459.

Purpose is to engage in any and all business activities permitted under NYS laws.

6LegalDec.24 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF LONGTAIL CONTRACTING, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/27/20.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it my be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 109 Sunset Drive, Apt. 2, Oneonta, New York 13820.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

6LegalDec.24 Legal nOtice NOTICE OF FORMATION OF COOPERSTOWN AREA REAL ESTATE, LLC Arts. of Org. filed with the Sec’y of State of NY (SSNY) on 10/28/20.

Office Location: Otsego County.

SSNY designated as agent of LLC upon whom process against it may be served. SSNY shall mail process to: 224 Lakeside Drive, Burlington Flats, New York 13315.

Purpose: Any lawful activity.

THE FREEMAN’S JOURNAL B-5

THURSDAY, December 24, 2020

IN MEMORIAM

Zachary Pondolfino, 26; A Soul So Pure, Innocent December 30, 1994 – December 17, 2020

ONEONTA – Zachary (Jim), Aunt Kelly Pondolfino Pondolfino gifted us with Burch (Kenny), Aunt Darlene his gentle strength for nearly Pondolfino, and Uncle Robert 26 precious years. In that Pondolfino Jr., and numerous time, he never spoke a word cousins. He is pre-deceased or took a single step, but his by his grandfather Robert ethereal spirit was a light that Pondolfino Sr. and paternal penetrated deep in the hearts grandmother Kathleen Oliver of all who knew him.

Pondolfino.

He held no grudges, Zach was a resident at loved without condition, and Springbrook since 2009 accepted everyone who came where he lived a full, happy into his world as yet another and lavishly pampered life person to embrace with the dedicated in his sacred life caregivers who so journey. Zach knew lovingly attended only love, tenderness to his most basic and trust. needs. We are We often said forever indebted to that being with Zach these fine people for was like going to their care, tenderchurch…for rarely ness, and for giving do you sit with a so selflessly for the soul so pure and people they serve. innocent – one who Special thanks for Zachary never demanded or their epic effort to Pondolfino complained…who, bring Zach home even during his most from the hospital challenging moments – for his last days of life and emanated peace. for creating space so that Zach loved music, being his family could be with him read to, lotion massages and 24 hours a day. anything Harry Potter. He will Sabrina Hogan, Carol be missed more deeply than Krueger, and Kathy Ramiza can be expressed, but we feel moved mountains so that Zach joyful knowing that he will be could make his transition free from the confines of his surrounded by an abundance disabilities and that he will be of love. To name only a few reunited with his baby brother unfairly negates the contribuScottie Pondolfino who pretion of the whole, but a few deceased him in 2010. additional credits must be Zachary is survived by his noted. Lori Spicer – thank immediate family – his mom you for the overnight hospital Michele Barry, his dad, reprieves and for always selfDr. Gerald Pondolfino (Katie lessly giving 100%, Nurse Segrue and her son Logan), Kelly – we were deeply touched his sister Jackie Pondolfino, by your care and compassion his grandmother, Valerie for Zach in his final days.

Barry, Aunt Jolee Barry, Aunt Lisa Young, Nicole Stilson, & Kristen Pondolfino Wasilewski, Megan Love…you ladies have

played instrumental roles in Zach’s life and have an enormous place in our hearts.

Nathan, Carol W, Heidi, Adrienne, N’estra, Wally, Matt L., Sam J., you are in our hearts forever. Dr. Gretchen Hodgdon (Bassett) thank you for your compassion and rationality.

For all who attended Zach’s farewell Zoom meeting…the sentiment you shared with him brought tears of joy. To the beautiful ladies who came to Zach’s window to tell him you loved him and to play Johnny Cash for him…thank you for the sweet memory.

To our family, friends and trusted helpers throughout Zach’s life…we thank you for your contributions, guidance, love and support. Your presence undoubtedly enabled a smoother path for us to navigate, and we could not be more grateful to have you in our lives. To name you all here is an impossible task, but we trust that you know who you are.

There will be no calling hours or services at this time however, an intimate spring burial will be announced at a later date.

Donations in Zach’s name to further benefit the very important work Springbrook provides throughout ours, and so many surrounding communities, would be greatly appreciated. www.springbrookny.org Arrangements are with Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St., Oneonta. Expressions of sympathy may be made at, www.lhpfuneralhome.com

OBITUARIES Bill Clark, 95; Former Cooperstown Mayor

COOPERSTOWN – William David Clark, 95,

a World War II veteran, former mayor of Cooperstown

Grandma loved her farm, her family, and playing her old guitar.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home will take the time to find out what made your loved one special.

Whether it’s finding just the right flowers, or finding a musician to play her favorite tunes on her old guitar, we’ll do what’s necessary to make her service as unique as she was.

Lester R. Grummons Funeral Home 14 Grand Street, Oneonta • 607-432-6821 www.grummonsfuneralhome.com

and a member of the family that owned McEwan’s Hardware, died at his home on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020.

He entered this world on June 18, 1925, the only child of Lester James Clark and Catherine Mae Halsdorf.

He was raised in Cooperstown, graduated high school there and entered the Engineering School of Cornell University.

Bill took a break from Cornell, enlisting in the Army, training as an officer and serving as a 1st Lieutenant in the Philippines during World War II. He was awarded four medals for his service in the Pacific Campaign.

After the war, Bill married Gertrude (Mickey) Dowd and the couple returned to Ithaca, where Bill graduated Cornell with high honors in chemical engineering. His degree took him to Wilmington, Del., to work at DuPont, and where Bill and Mickey’s first child, Margaret, was born.

The family grew as Sara, Catherine, David, William and Jean arrived.

Mickey died in 1969.

Bill then had the great good fortune to have Elizabeth “Liz” Feltz say yes to his proposal of marriage. .

Bill is survived by Liz, his wife of 51 years, and by all of his eight children, 11 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Arrangements are with Tillapaugh Funeral Service, Cooperstown.

50 Cars Beep For Retiring Mainstay PARADE/From A1 On the coldest day of the season so far, friends and admirers began lining up their cars at 2:30 p.m. on Railroad Avenue, just around the corner from 207 Main St., where the Bateman-Waller family has operated Mohican Flowers, founded in 1901, for 50 years.

Leading off was a Cooperstown Fire Department pumper, sirens and horn blaring, bearing Mayor Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch and Fire Chief Jim Tallman, with Deputy Chief Glenn Falk driving.

Santa and Mrs. Claus followed, then a Cooperstown EMT vehicle, lights flashing, carrying Squad Chief Eric Pierce with wife Alisia and daughter Abigail.

Many long-time friends followed, including White House Innkeepers Marge and Ed Landers, and Hank Phillips, retired Withey’s pharmacist and wife Dottie. Jo Ann Lamonica was up from Oneonta for the celebration.

Carol said husband Bill told her to sit by the window with her coat on. When Elaine showed up to hatch the surprise, she asked Carol, “What are you doing there?”

When the parade began, Bill set Carol up in a chair by the sidewalk, with Claire by her side and Satriano husband Bill and son Chris behind them.

Bill, an avid photographer, worked the scene.

Many folks pulled over to present gifts. State Sen. Jim Seward, R-Milford, himself retiring at year’s end, and wife Cindy presented a clock that marks the days of the week, not hours and minutes. “That was quite an outpouring. She was in tears – and that infectious laugh!” the senator observed.

“Since,” said husband Bill, “a number of people have called to say, ‘If I’d known, I would have been there.’”

Carol and Bill were raised, met and married in Huntington, L.I., and moved to Cooperstown in 1970, when her dad, Charles Bateman, who had retired as president of Hi-Temp, which supplied wire to NASA, bought Mohican Flowers in 1970. He trained as an unpaid intern at a downstate florist six months,

Jim Kevlin/The Freeman’s Journal & HOMETOWN ONEONTA

Sometimes tearful, often laughing, former mayor Carol Waller, seated, watches the 50-car parade pass by in her honor. Others, from left, are Elaine Bresee, co-honoree Claire Satriano and, in the background, Claire’s husband Bob and son Chris. then moved to Cooperstown.

Carol worked for her dad.

By the mid-‘80s, the medical equipment company Bill was working for transferred the family to Boulder, Colo.

Returning in 1990, Carol’s dad, by then also a veteran county representative, asked her at dinner, “What are you going to get involved in now?

Why don’t you do something meaningful?”

Soon, she was elected to the Village Board, serving four years as trustee, four years as deputy mayor and, beginning in 2002, eight years as mayor.

High points included obtaining and completing the village’s first sizeable federal grant: for the renovation of Linden Avenue and creation of the “Blue Lot.” During this period, as her current successor as mayor, Ellen Tillapaugh Kuch, noted in a proclamation she presented Waller last Saturday, Carol got involved in the 4Cs – the Cooperstown Community Christmas Committee.

Along the way, the Wallers raised three children, all successful. Bill, now semiretired in Washington State at 51, is an attorney by way of Colgate and Harvard Law. Scott, 47, teaches math at D.C.’s Gonzaga Prep, where he’s coached two soccer teams to national championships.

Kirsten, 38, is up for a big promotion to senior director of the cancer center at a San

Diego hospital. The Wallers have seven grandchildren.

The couple plan to close the shop Dec. 31, and retire as of New Year’s Day. There have been inquiries from prospective buyers, so this may not be the end for Mohican Flowers.

The Wallers plan to stay in the village, although, as COVID declines, they hope to borrow an RV from a friend and drive across the country to visit their children and grandchildren.

An era is ending.

Elaine Bresee “had gone for a drive-by for a lady in Oneonta. I saw how wonderful it was,” perfect for recognizing Carol and Claire’s dedication.

She and Carol were members of the Lake & Valley Garden Club, and Elaine also provided flowers at Christ Episcopal Church once a month, so she experienced Mohican Flowers at full throttle.

She recalled the whirl of activity just before one Valentine’s Day, when two funeral directors called with funerals scheduled for the same time. “Carol and Claire looked at each other, then went right back to work.”

“There’s never any time off,” Bresee said. “They both worked so hard, I wanted to show my appreciation for everyone at the shop.”

“I can’t imagine Cooperstown without a florist,” she said.

Holiday

B-6

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